Jon Dahl Tomasson has confirmed the unfortunate news that Sam Barnes has injured the cruciate ligaments in his knee and now faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Rovers began a new era in earnest last weekend as Tomasson took charge of their game against Queens Park Rangers, which was one they won 1-0.

Indeed, a bright start for the former AC Milan and Denmark striker but with highs come lows in football and Barnes has certainly learned that the hard way.

Speaking to the media ahead of Rovers' second game of the season against Swansea City, he confirmed the unfortunate news - with these quotes taken via Blackburn's official Twitter account:

The Verdict

Football can be a cruel sport sometimes, and we wish Barnes all the very best with his recovery.

He's a player that would have been really looking forward to this season.

There was every chance he was going to play a real part for the men from Ewood Park this year, especially with Tomasson evidently impressed with what he saw in pre-season from him.

That's been taken away from the player now, though, and instead he needs to focus fully on making a good recovery and then returning to the fold.